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WJ transmission for diesel swap

8K views 11 replies 6 participants last post by  alfaitalia 
#1 ·
What I'm looking to do is to swap out my gas loving 4.0l for a mercedes OM617 diesel. My issue is what transmission I need to make this a success since the original is dependent on a computer. I think one of options would be an XJ auto with an RA designs controller or an older hydraulic unit.
Not really looking to get crazy with a divorced unit but would like to have something that I would be able to retain my factory speedo or retrofit it to an electronic signal.
Thanks in advance.

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#3 ·
Dude i hope you do a write up I have been throwing around this idea or a 4BT swap for a while now. I just dont know it the unibody would hold it.
 
#5 ·
No adapter plate ness if you get the right parts. If you want to make it like a Euro/Uk spec WJ (WG in Europe) you want a OM647 engine rather than the OM617. The OM647 comes in many cars/vans inc ML270 Merc and Dodge Sprinter van as well as the Mercedes Sprinter Van.
Then you want the 5 speed out of the Merc ML270 and others. Jeep tranny code DGJ...WSJ 400. Mercs Code for same trans 722.6...W5A580.
Get the ECUs for same and off you go.....ish. Contrary to previous posts its a very tight fit....to the extent that you cant get the rear two injectors (inline 5 cylinder) out without dropping the engine on its mounts (no one does) or driilling 2 x 80mm holes through the wiper scuttle (everyone does!).
 
#7 ·
Why would you do that though? The 647 clearly fits cus thats what the factory put in the CRDs. The 617 is a gutless piece of crap. Depending on the year you get (they stopped building it in 1990!) you can have a mighty 80Hp or a gargantuan 125Hp...yippee! Combined with just 180ft/lb of torque. In a two and a quarter ton vehicle that aint enough. Even the old VM 3.1 TD made 139 hp and 283lb and, no offence to the owners on here, has barely enough torque/power for the job especially off road. The 647 has 161 and 295lb....and even as an owner I would not say its exactly over powered. And of course you can do as I did and get a tuning box (you cant on the old mechanical diesels) and get ,in my case, 207bhp and 368ft/lb of torque ...thats 38 more lb than a 4.7 HO and at lower revs!! ...perfect for off road. Dont forget that even as std they produce the same torque and at lower revs than a 4.7 non HO.
I think putting such an outdated engine in would be a bad move (IMO) especially as putting in the more powerfull engine would be easier with the tranny and ancilleries as the parts are readily available.
 
#10 ·
I'm waiting for the new Jeep turbo diesel to start hitting the yards... heh heh
 
#11 ·
Thanks for the replies. Doing the euro engine and trans would be cool but however very pricey.
I'm set on an OM617 engine. I think for $2000 I can do this swap.
4bt would be neat as well but I don't want to spend the $ for wheels, tires, and a lift to make that engine fit under the hood.

http://www.mercedesdiesel4x4.com
I'm going to use a kit from here.
Also my question was about what transmission I needed since the current wj trans is full electronic controlled. So I'm pretty sure a 46rh will get the job done. Also the speedo pickup I was concerned about is located in the tcase so I'm good there as well.

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#12 ·
Thats cool and I would be interested to see it up and running. How would you deal with your inpection system over there? I thought that was part of the reason you did not diesel Grands in the first place (that and your very cheap gas!). Just make sure you get the 125 HP version....not the 80 and even then I just hope you are not going to be in a hurry to get anywhere as its going to be R-E-A-L-L-Y S-L-O-W. A 4.slo is not exactly lightening fast and you will have 70 less horses and 50 les ft/lb of torque to play within what will be a heavier Jeep.
 
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